1988 Buick LeSabre Custom from North America

Summary:

Poor

Faults:

The car was nearly totaled in an accident when a drunk driver crashed into me late at night.

The car is barely drivable.

The seat cloth has worn thin.

The paint is peeling.

Rust is apparent

The head gasket blew at 87,000 miles.

The car has a crack in the windshield.

The front safety belts had to be replaced due to extreme forces put on the belts in the accident.

The car has scratches, dents and dings from rocks, weather, and shopping carts.

The car has a poor electrical system, in which the lights do not work and the battery is easily drained.

General Comments:

None.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th December, 2007

2nd Sep 2015, 16:31

My grandfather bought his LeSabre back in 89. And to everyone it was a great beautiful car. He drove it for 20 years. Then my brother inherited it, driving it for 2. I finally got it last year when I got my license. I've drove her for over a year now. My only complaint is that due to time and use, the interior in the front of the car has fallen apart. Forcing me to get creative and "redneck repair" it. Also the front left hub cap fell off 2 years ago. Everything works still. A very reliable car.

1988 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8 MPFI V6 from North America

Summary:

Comfy, Able, and Reliable

Faults:

Coil packs replaced by dealer before purchase

EGR Valve needed replacement early on ($250)

Wheel studs replaced ($1 a piece)

CV Joints (both) Replaced at 123k (<$200)

Camshaft position sensor replaced also at 123k ($50)

EGR valve replaced again along with Catalytic ($300) converter (exhaust was blocked by stopped-up cat and vented through EGR valve)

Power Antenna Failed at 120k.

Rear defroster is weak, but works. 1 Window needs assistance to go up, 2 are slow. Headliner fallen. Rust starting.

General Comments:

Bought the car as a second choice (first car wouldn't start when I went to buy it). Had 118k on it and also wouldn't start, but was fixed pronto by dealer (coil packs) and I was off.

Was a good performer from the start, but didn't quite live up to my previous Regal. Found out why, later on.

VERY comfy ride. Great highway car. Better 30-70 accel. than 0-60. Digital Climate control is a GODSEND for someone sensitive to heat.

Gets approx 23mpg (city/no AC), 18 (city/AC), and 30-35 hwy.

Keep it maintained and it will last you a lifetime. The MPFI 3800 engine in these things are tanks. They'll outlast the energizer bunny.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th June, 2007

1988 Buick LeSabre Custom 2.8 from North America

Summary:

Like if a Nova and a Jeep had a love child, it would be my 1988 Buick Le Sabre

Faults:

Between when I bought it and now, all I have had to do to it is put a new water pump, alternator, battery and brakes.

Other than that, the previous owner said he put a new tranny in it around 150000 miles.

Front windows stick and fall into the door.

Arm rests are falling off, it was nothing a screw did not fix.

A.C. broke at 230000.

General Comments:

Faster than my 1997 Mustang.

Can take on 4WD roads with ease.

Handles OK.

Very very comfortable.

Low maintenance.

Cruising machine.

Looks great.

I will keep it running until it dies, then I will fully restore it. That's how much I love my car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2007

1988 Buick LeSabre T-Type 3.8 from North America

Summary:

It's a so so car

Faults:

Just bought a 1988 Buick LeSabre T-Type. Several parts have already been changed such as: Transmission (at 113000 km), alternator, gas tank, coil pack.

The air conditioner no longer functions due to a leak in one of the tubes. The heating does not work when I put it on high and when it does go on there is no air coming out due to something blocking it. Right now I have a rusted power steering line that needs to be changed because it is leaking fluid. The driver door does not close properly and due to this water enters the car if I wash it, water enters the trunk and ends up smelling afterwards and I have no idea from where. Water enters on the inside from the middle of the win-shield. Driver seat torn, door handle in all worn out. My temperature gauge does not work properly, my oil pressure gauge is always stuck to the max. My control for the electronic mirrors work only for up, left & right.

General Comments:

It's a nice looking car, fast, very rare car that's what I like about it. However, there are too many problems to fix, most importantly is the rust, the body is totally full of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th September, 2004

13th Jan 2005, 17:56

Hi!

It sounds like you got the car after someone else pretty well wore it out! I have an 88 T-Type too, that I am going to give to my son in March. It has 230,000 miles on the original engine and transmission! The driver seat is well wore and the dash is a little warped, but otherwise the power door locks and the heater controls all work! The stock radio died a long time ago! I did replace the heater blower motor last winter, so now it sounds like a plane taking off when you have it on high! So much for replacement parts being like original equipment! I've replace the struts and shocks once, the trans shifts a little hard into reverse, otherwise this car will go! I forgot what all was wrong with yours, but maybe check out junk yards for parts that aren't mechanically related to help dress your LeSabre back up to somewhat original condition! Just a thought!